Ben R
Well Known Member
I am in need of some advice guys.
A friend of mine decided to replace the dual Lightspeed Plasma II ignition system on his RV-8 with two standard Slick mags. We spoke with Joe at Champion/Slick support, who recommended two 4371 Slicks with dual impluse couplings based on the engine/prop combo on the plane (IO-360 A1B6 with a lightweight composite C/S prop). The dual Lightspeed system that was installed required a small battery as a backup power source in the event the aircraft battery/electrical system failed. The entire Lightspeed system was removed, Slicks installed, new P-leads fabricated and wired to the ignition switch, new plugs installed, and the mags were timed.
For some reason, the plane refuses to start. We have removed and re-pinned the mags per the Slick procedure (twice), verified timing (three times) with a timing tool, and verified spark at each plug at the appropriate time in the rotation. We have even disconnected the P-leads and attempted to start with no success. The engine will fire (only run a second or two) but only when the mixture is full lean. Any attempt to richen the mixture will cease all firing. The engine normally starts easily with no issues. We have tried starting multiple times with hours between start attempts (to eliminate the possibility of flooding during prolonged starts). There were no changes made to the fuel system or injectors. Is it possible that the Lightspeed system requires a different fuel adjustment that a standard Slick mag does not?
We are all scratching our heads. The owner is an A&P and replaced the mags on my RV-6 last year in no time and with no issues.
I plan on calling Joe again tomorrow but I'd appreciate any advice...especially if someone has made a similar swap.
Thanks in advance!!
Ben
A friend of mine decided to replace the dual Lightspeed Plasma II ignition system on his RV-8 with two standard Slick mags. We spoke with Joe at Champion/Slick support, who recommended two 4371 Slicks with dual impluse couplings based on the engine/prop combo on the plane (IO-360 A1B6 with a lightweight composite C/S prop). The dual Lightspeed system that was installed required a small battery as a backup power source in the event the aircraft battery/electrical system failed. The entire Lightspeed system was removed, Slicks installed, new P-leads fabricated and wired to the ignition switch, new plugs installed, and the mags were timed.
For some reason, the plane refuses to start. We have removed and re-pinned the mags per the Slick procedure (twice), verified timing (three times) with a timing tool, and verified spark at each plug at the appropriate time in the rotation. We have even disconnected the P-leads and attempted to start with no success. The engine will fire (only run a second or two) but only when the mixture is full lean. Any attempt to richen the mixture will cease all firing. The engine normally starts easily with no issues. We have tried starting multiple times with hours between start attempts (to eliminate the possibility of flooding during prolonged starts). There were no changes made to the fuel system or injectors. Is it possible that the Lightspeed system requires a different fuel adjustment that a standard Slick mag does not?
We are all scratching our heads. The owner is an A&P and replaced the mags on my RV-6 last year in no time and with no issues.
I plan on calling Joe again tomorrow but I'd appreciate any advice...especially if someone has made a similar swap.
Thanks in advance!!
Ben